DECEMBER ’24 – Snippets of news from the locality
TREDEGAR MUSEUM
Exhibition of photographs of ‘Pubs and Clubs of Tredegar’ displayed in Bedwellty House
ABERTILLERY UNDERPASS MOSAICS
Repair of the murals in the subway is out to tender
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BLAENAU GWENT AMBASSADOR SCHEME
The Wales Ambassador Scheme is a set of free online courses that will introduce you to different areas and attractions in Wales. You can increase your knowledge of Wales and help others to get the most out of their visit.
FRIENDS OF ST ILLTYD’S
The Christmas Service will take place on Friday 6th December
DECEMBER ’24 – Forum News
CHURCHES AND CHAPELS BOOK
Work is progressing but there is quite a lot more work to be done before the book is completed.
2024 – Trips
SPRING TRIP – LLANCAIACH FAWR AND THE WINDING HOUSE
AUTUMN TRIP – THE BRECON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY
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BRECON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY
Brecon Mountain Railway – Pant Station
On Thursday 19th September, 21 members of Blaenau Gwent Heritage Forum met at Pant Station, home of the Brecon Mountain Railway. Following a very informative talk, by general manager Stuart Williams, members boarded the carriages (pulled by a vintage steam locomotive) and set off on a wonderfully emotive journey into the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The track runs through Pontsticill, and along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir, before climbing to Torpantau high in the Brecon Beacons and the summit of the original line. We were extremely fortunate in that the weather was kind, affording us wonderful views of the stunning scenery.
Taf Fechan Reservoir,
On the return journey we stopped at Pontsticill intermediate station for refreshments, before heading back to the terminus at Pant. All-in-all, it was a hugely pleasant trip that took us back to a time when steam ruled. Steam raised in boilers fed with wonderful Welsh Steam Coal.
Brecon Mountain Railway – Torpantau Station
LLANCAIACH FAWR MANOR AND THE WINDING HOUSE
On Thursday, March 28th, the Forum held a trip that was a tale of two halves. The first halve, a visit to the Winding house in New Tredegar, had an industrial theme, firmly rooted in the coal industry. The second, a tour of Llancaiach Fawr Manor, a wonderfully-preserved historic building, took members back in time to the 17th century.
Winding House and Museum, New Tredegar.
We were fortunate in having an ex. miner as a guide ( a very articulate and well-read individual) to deliver the information about the Grade 2 listed engine, a steam-powered wonder, which served the Elliot Colliery until its closure in 1967.
A very fine example of Victorian engineering, and in a wonderful state of preservation, the engine impressed greatly. The museum, housed in the same facility, was also of great interest. Sadly, due to financial constraints, the Winding House was mothballed on April 1st. We were amongst its last visitors.
Llancaich Fawr, Nelson.
From the Winding House, members travelled the relatively short distance to the Grade 1 listed Llancaiach Fawr Manor (built in the mid 16th century) near Nelson, mid-Glamorgan. Here, following a very agreeable lunch, we had a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable interactive tour.
The manor, which has survived the passage of time in a remarkably unscathed condition, has been sympathetically restored to how it would have been when Edward Prichard and family occupied it in the 17th century. Again, sadly, this truly wonderful and, in many ways, unique building is due to be mothballed.
